Go Hard, or GO HOME.

North move on to the second week of the finals, after a thrilling 12 point victory over Essendon.

The Bombers started strongly with two goals to open the game, but North responded quickly with the next two. However Essendon settled and quickly took control of the game and dominated the second quarter, booting four goals to just one behind. Making the most of their opportunities and capitalising on North's errors, they looked hard to stop.

The first goal in the 3rd quarter saw Essendon's lead stretch to 33 points, and that's when it started to change. A seven goal haul from North Melbourne, including three from cult figure Ben Brown kept North alive in the game and every chance to take the victory in the final quarter.

North finally hit the front midway through the fourth, thanks to goals from Ben Cunnington and Lindsay Thomas but not before Paddy Ryder took the lead back for the Bombers. A couple of behinds either way saw the scores level as the end of the game drew closer. After trailing all evening, it was Drew Petrie in the dying minutes of the game who booted two goals, and won the game for North. The 12 point victory North's first finals win in seven years.

The Old and the New.
It was just Daniel Wells' third game since returning from injury, and he stood up big time, leading the midfield and ran circles around the Bombers. He was unstoppable, all class and each kick weighted with perfection. His 28 possessions and unselfishness set up multiple goals, and his dominance resulted in an outstanding performance.
Finals veteran Nick Dal Santo stepped up in the absence of Brent Harvey and made a huge difference when it mattered. His polish and decision making proving a difference in the midfield. His finals experience allowing him to remain composed, and steer the side in the right direction.
 Half way through the season, many questioned Drew Petrie's career, and worried the end could be rapidly approaching. Despite his minimal impact for most of the game, his two match winning goals saw him rise to the occasion when the situation demanded it from him.

It has been talked about all day that Ben Brown's three goals in the 3rd quarter is what kept North alive and sparked the second half revival.. and indeed he did. Finishing the game with 4 goals, the excitement and passion showed from the first year player was infectious, and he got the crowd pumping, it was a fantastic display.
You can always expect 100% hard at the ball from Ben Cunnington, and last night was no exception. Highlighted by a great second half, Cunnington finished the game with 30 disposals (15 of them contested) and a goal, as his spectacular season keeps getting better.

Third Quarter Special
It has been a running theme for North Melbourne this season... come out and smash em' after half time. Games against the Bulldogs, Richmond, Melbourne and Adelaide just a few examples where North has shown up after a slow start to take away huge wins.
At half time, I have no doubt it was running through every supporters mind that maybe we weren't done with yet, and hoping for a cracking third quarter, which has been promised and delivered so many times this season. Saturday night was no exception. A 7 goal to 4 third quarter, followed by a 5 goals to 2 final term (12-6 after half time) - North stood up and delivered when we expected. In his post-game chat with Cameron Ling, match winner Drew Petrie said at the end of the home and away season, North were 2nd best in the league for scoring in the second half, while Essendon were 15th.. Totally aware of Essendon's fade outs, there was every belief we would catch them, and run over them. We did.

Coming of Age
It has been a career changing season for Levi Greenwood, and on Saturday night he once again proved just how important he has become in this North Melbourne side. A team high 32 possessions, along with 7 tackles and a goal, it's no doubt everyone has him head-to-head with Boomer for the Best & Fairest. As for Sam Wright, well he may have played the best game of his career, with many after the game claiming he had finally arrived to the big stage, and had come of age. For two players who had come to expect their positions in the senior side temporary, they could almost certainly lock themselves into the best 22 in the season ahead.

Clearances 
Back in round one, in North's disastrous loss to Essendon, coach Brad Scott highlighted that North were killed in areas around the ground we had dominated in 2013. One of these, the clearances. North were down 2-12 clearances in the first quarter, and 12-24 in the second. We finished the game onto of Essendon, 37-36. Quick centre clearances into the forward line a leading factor which impacted the score board in the second half.

Speaking of Round One, in the lead up to Saturday Night's game, it was one of the only things people could talk about... that we'd probably just choke once again. But as Glenn Archer encouraged, forget the past and focus on the task ahead. All the issues we seemed to face in round one were gone, and a rejuvenated North came to win.

Scott Thompson
He just amazes me. I literally sat there in awe last night watching this man. His decisions making, fantastic. Ball use, very very good. A team player? absolutely. Scott Thompson stood up in the back line and lead the defence to success. He wound back to 2013, as the situation demanded for him to lift, he delivered. He finished with a game high 3 contested marks, and 24 possessions. It was one of the best games he's played this season, and took responsibility of his leadership role down back, and lead his troops to success.

Brad Scott
I have too much love for his raw emotion and passion from the game. The horror and stress in his face with 40 seconds left on the clock, that eventually turned into excitement and thrill which poured out of the coaches box as the final siren sounded - it was infectious. For Scott, it was his first finals victory as a coach, and when the pressure was on from fans and critics alike, he coached the side to victory. In his post-match press conference, Scott claimed the win the best of his coaching career, and finally gave the club their first finals victory for seven years. Oh that sweet emotion. No one does it better than Scotty.

No Boomer, No North? Bullshit.
Boomer, who has hit career best form this season and delivering big on the numbers, was sidelined after round 21 for 3 matches, meaning he would miss North's first game (and potentially only game) of the finals. Round 22 against Adelaide was a danger game for North. Many didn't think the side could pull through and win without Boomer, but it happened. In the absence of Boomer, captain Andrew Swallow stood up and played arguably the best 10 minutes of his career in the final quarter, to lead North to victory.

It was a similar story on Saturday night, with North certainly proving they're no one man band. Notably the performances of Wells and Dal Santo in the centre, covering the composure, skills and perfection of Harvey to lead the midfield. North may now successfully dismiss any statements in relation to the absence of Boomer = the downfall of North, however he will be more than a handy inclusion in next weeks side.

So who goes?
As we can welcome back Boomer, it would seem Ben Jacobs will be the one to make way, after a disappointing performance saw him subbed off midway through the 3rd quarter. But Jacobs runs off half back, while Boomer runs a muck in the midfield and half forward. Kayne Turner has been doing an outstanding job in the absence of Harvey, giving North fans excitement, and his hard contesting at the ball makes us excited about his future. Although he seems the logical one to make way for Boomer, has his form and promise been enough to allow him to keep his place? Only time will tell.
And as for the others? Brad Scott, along with various media outlets have announced the unlikely return of both Lachie Hansen and Patch Adams. According to Scott, Hansen would struggle to be fit for Friday night's clash with Geelong, while Channel 10 yesterday expected Patch Adams to miss another week. The side will be announced on Thursday Night.

Which leaves us to next week...
It'll be another huge game this weekend, as North will go head to head with Geelong on Friday Night at the MCG. Scott vs Scott, Boomer back and North on a high from Saturday Night's game, it must not be missed!!

Grab your tickets, see you on Friday!!!
Marnie.

The Old and The New.

In an attempt to ease the pain of a horror Round One loss to Essendon, I took myself back to Round 21 of last season, the last victory we had over the Bombers. What's not to like about Nathan Grima's first goal ever in AFL, or a 38 disposal game by Levi Greenwood? But my mind, for possibly the first time of watching this match (I think this was my 6th viewing) was distracted elsewhere, to the conversations between the expert commentators in the background. The Bombers, at times in the second and third quarters looked a threat, despite their inability to seriously hurt us on the scoreboard. However during these specific period of play, Eddie McGuire said just about the most relevant thing in relation to North Melbourne and season 2013...

"And you know if you get within 5 kicks of them (North Melbourne), you could probably crack them a bit."

Well didn't that just about sum up our season. Games against Adelaide, Geelong, West Coast and Brisbane saw us give up a 3 quarter time lead, and snatch defeat from the hands of victory. And then all those narrow defeats, which the entire football world will not let us forget for the next century and five centuries to follow.

But now in 2014, one five minute spell in a fourth quarter against the Bulldogs made me realise we were no longer in 2013, and that maybe the best was still to come. Our first victory of the season, a sloppy encounter with the Western Bulldogs, saw us four goals clear of the opposition, with roughly five minutes still to play on the clock. And I was immediately thrown back  to round nine of last season, in what I think was our worst loss of the season against Adelaide at Etihad Stadium. In control of the game all day, the margin at times stretching beyond eight goals, and a 30 point lead halfway through the last term evaporate into a one point loss. And now back to the future: it's 2014... was this North Melbourne side going to take home the victory? or would they simply fall at the last moment, and leave fans numb and wondering where do we go from here? But there was no panic, no cracking under pressure and no giving up. The play was slowed down, allowing for clean possession of the ball and smart decision making. Staying controlled and composed, our first victory of 2014 came, and a comfortable margin of 29 points.

Although this victory of the four could be seen as the "least impressive" so far this season, to me it almost seems like the most important one. Following an embarrassing Round One we struggled to believe this side has seriously improved since 2013. After a struggle in the first half against the Bulldogs, North broke free in the third quarter, finding avenues to goal, and found themselves in a winnable position. The 'old' North Melbourne could've let the lead go in the final term and just fall over the line, or even more familiar, see the opposition steal the victory. But no, we owned the game, and won the game.

And it only seems that we're only taking bigger scalps from week to week. In round three, we met Port Adelaide  at Etihad Stadium. The Power took control of the game early, and fought off a North Melbourne fight back which saw just a couple points in the game at half time. A big final quarter comeback from the Roos saw them take the win, a game which they had spent most of the time playing catch up with Port. For the second season in a row, North had ended Port's undefeated start to the season, and at the end of round 5, North are still the only side to have defeated Port in 2014.

In rounds 4 and 6 North took their winning formula interstate. On past form the trips to Sydney and Perth would have been beyond North, however, much to (almost) everyones surprise, it were the home sides who ended up disappointed. Round 4 against the Swans, it was North Melbourne from start to finish, and locked away their first win over Sydney since 2007 and first win at the SCG in a decade. In Perth under Friday Night Lights, North looked anything but victorious, as Fremantle kicked the first four goals of the round six clash. But the Roos worked their way back into the game, and by late in the third quarter, looked to be in total control. Once hitting the lead in the final term, they looked unstoppable, and celebrated their first win in Perth since 2007.

But it's not just the four points from these victories, but also the little wins in between. Luke McDonald was nominated NAB Rising Star nominee in Round 4, the number 8 pick honoured in just his fourth game of senior football. Scott Thompson has only improved on his All Australian honours in 2013. In Round four he held star forward Lance Franklin goalless for the second time in his career, something achieved by very few defenders in the game. His improvements are evident from week to week. Brad Scott recorded his first victory over Ross Lyon since taking over in 2010, following the win in the West. Nick Dal Santo is settling in nicely, his class by hand an foot adding another level to the midfield. In the early season absence of Andrew Swallow and Jack Ziebell, Ben Cunnington stood up, and is having the best season of his career, while superstar Brent Harvey is in spectacular form, showing no signs of slowing down. The list just keeps going on and on. Finally, to top it all off, at the end of Round 4, North moved to sixth on the ladder, their first time in the eight since 2012.

Despite all the goods and all the excitement, there are still two very big clouds which could see the season take a turn for the worse. Round One and Round Five losses against Essendon and Collingwood saw a completely different North Melbourne side, and one which is hard to forget. It was almost as if there was a different side out on the field, as North fell into the game plan of the opposition and crumbled right in front of our eyes. You don't win points for competitive losses, but you do spark questions and concerns about the quality of their and legitimacy of the side. The difference between our best and worst football still seems worlds apart, and although each victory bridges the gap between the two, there's still a lot more work to be done.

One thing which has been vastly improved upon is work rate and fitness. If anyone can sit there and say there isn't a real improvement in this North Melbourne side from last year, you must be kidding yourself. The drastic improvement in fitness and ability to last a full 120 minutes of game time has been a major key to the victories of 2014, most obvious in the wins against Port Adelaide and Fremantle, where we genuinely outran and outplayed them in the fourth quarter. North haven't lost a final quarter since Round One, even in the loss to Collingwood, we outscored them 3.3 - 2.6 and we have gone on to win two from four games after being behind at three quarter time... now think about that, in comparison to how many games we let go of in the final quarter after being in a winning position.

I do enjoy a good post-game press conference from Brad Scott. The man really knows how to handle himself in an appropriate manner, and seems to have a legitimate response to everything thrown at him. Following the Round Six victory in Perth, his words rang loud and rang true;

"Winning close games and winning interstate hasn't been our focus. Our focus has been becoming a good side, and good sides win interstate and win close games"

 

And Brad Scott has held himself, players and the side accountable for where mistakes have been made, but the belief and the positive energy surrounding the club at the moment is absolutely incredible. In 2010 and 2011, North couldn't get within 10 goals of a top four side. An impressive second half of 2012 saw North play its first finals series under Brad Scott, only to be smashed to pieces. And in 2013 North came so close so often, that the top eight grew too far. In 2014 the season started worse than a horror film, but now we can sit at the end of round six and genuinely see that the club is making the right steps forward and right improvements to becoming a good side.

Let's hope that the past stays in the past. Out with old and in with 2014, and to becoming a "good" side.

Could've, Should've ... Didn't.

How ironic that Port Adelaide gave up a lead in their final game of the home and away season. It allowed Carlton a 1 point victory, and crushed any chances North Melbourne had of scraping into the 2013 final series.

North were on the rise in 2013, looking to make rebound after being on the receiving end of a 100+ point drumming in Perth in their first finals appearance since 2008. With arguably the most difficult draw in the league, it was a wonder how this young side would approach the season. And all started well for North, despite not actually winning a game until round 4, the close margins were suggesting a capable side that would really present a challenge to the top contenders of the game.

Fast forward to the end of 2013. North Melbourne finished 10th, behind an ineligible Essendon. Let's break it down:

10 wins , 0 draws , 12 losses

Of the 10 wins..
Half had margins of 10+ goals
Three had margins of less than two goals

Of the 12 losses..
Five had margins of less than 1 goal
Three had margins between 1 and 2 goals
Of the 4 matches remaining, only two matches had margins beyond 6 goals

Had North won 1 extra game, they would've finished 8th (due to Essendon's disqualification)
Had North won 3 extra games, they would've finished 7th
Had North won 5 extra games, they would've finished 6th, and been rewarded a home final

North had a percentage of 119.53 . If the ladder were placed in order of highest to lowest percentage, North would have finished 6th.


When you look at the stats above, it hurts. Taking a real good look at what happened over the season and realising what could've been, and ultimately what should have been - but didn't happen. Season 2013 for North allowed supporters to define what is a good side, and what is a great side.

A great side is one that wins the close battles against quality opposition, and holds a reputation of a quality side. A good side is a side that comes close to these great sides, but unfortunately isn't quite there yet, and may not have the ability to defeat a great side. North Melbourne in 2013 were a good side, yet showed the potential of great side, which was highlighted by the 10 point victory against Geelong in round 19. Unfortunately, the club failed to reach it's full potential... therefore missing out on the finals.

Of their 10 victories, 4 came against sides who finished in the top 8. Another, against Essendon, who finished above North (yet out of the 8 due to disqualification.) The 5 victories against sides who finished above North is the most since Scott's takeover (for interest, North defeated just 3 sides who finished above them in 2012). So that itself, is a positive, and is evidence of how much closer North are to the top sides then they had been in previous years. And there were the standout seasons for various players, none bigger than Daniel Wells, Todd Goldstein, Lindsay Thomas and Scott Thompson, who were all nominated in the 40 man All Australian Squad (and for Scott Thompson, made the final 22) and arguably had the best seasons of their careers. And the evolution of Aaron Black and Aaron Mullet, along with Jack Ziebell, Shaun Atley, Ryan Bastinac seem to be making huge improvements in their games before our eyes. Veteran and Club Legend Boomer Harvey played his 350th game, and proved no signs of slowing down. Having another outstanding season, he proved both instrumental on and off field, and will play on in 2014.

But with the good came the bad, and by seasons end, the club's inability to win games had supporters fed up. Following North's final game of the season, a breathtaking victory against Collingwood, Brad Scott's comments couldn't have been more true. Unfortunately for North this season, "Every stat you look at looks pretty good...except for wins" (Scott) And while the season finished better than it started, the close losses during the first half is what killed the finals dream for North. After the club's electrifying comeback in the 2nd half of last season, anything seemed possible for 2013, and while there's a general agreement on improvement, it simply wasn't enough to get North into September.

Back in May, I published an article, KEEPING THE FAITH , a simple and emotion fuelled response to North's struggles to finish games.  If I'm honest, my feelings have barely changed. Here's why:
When you look at the 5 matches North lost by less than a goal, there are specific moments where anyone can pin point the poor decision made. The club's inability to make good decisions under pressure ultimately cost them a real chance to play September.
In 2012, North's 'grand final' came once they beat Collingwood in Round 21. Their football wasn't the same for the rest of the season. Were it genuinely possible for the club to even come close to West Coast in that elimination final? I'd like to think so... but in reality, the chances were probably very slim, and during the first week of the final series, I sat and watched my club's 2012 credibility crumble in front of my eyes over a thumping in the West.
But here, in 2013, the club paced themselves. Yes more victories did come in the second half, but the season wasn't relying on a miracle string of victories like we all saw the previous year. Rather, the season was relying on the close victories, the games which saw North come close to defeating the likes of Hawthorn, Geelong and Carlton - these games North should have won!! Was there always going to be a late challenge? OF COURSE THERE WAS! But the great side would have overcome the challenges to stand victors come the final siren. There you have it: That's the difference. That is how North Melbourne missed the finals, and instead of taking that step to become a great side, were simply a good side. No one said there was anything wrong with being a good, honest working sides... but no one said those sides make finals.

So where to from here? As the season ended on a high, it seems things can only go up. The improvement in North's game over the past few years should begin to pay off. 2013 seemed a field to test drive new players and new game plans, and hopefully 2014 will be brighter. If we can't have faith in our own club and believe in their abilities... who else will? It's up to us, the supporters of the club we love, to continue to love and support through the off season, and into 2014. Where our good club, will do great things.

Marnie x

A Tall Tale

By the end of 2012, it seemed North Melbourne had found the perfect 3-tall forward line stretch to crush anything an opposition defence threw at them.
With Drew Petrie the main target, Robbie Tarrant and Lachie Hansen took their positions as the second and third forwards. Between the 3 of them, they'd manage to stretch the opposition back line, with the third forward, more than likely, having a significant height advantage over their opponent, a match up the side could really work with.

Petrie, Hansen and Tarrant shared 101 goals between them last season, and options a plenty for North, who had a rich selection of players to mix through the forward set up. However, surprise came during Trade Week, as ruckman Hamish McIntosh, utility Cam Pedersen and forward Aaron Edwards all found new homes.

In 2013, Lindsay Thomas has regained form, and his 23 goals in the opening six rounds is the most by any small forward since the early 2000's. Drew Petrie's inconsistent start the season was unable to be supported by Tarrant and Hansen, as they were forced out of the side at different stages, due to injury. Their injuries have made way for youngsters Majak Daw and Aaron Black, who have impressed with their performances so far.

Drew Petrie.
A class performer who led the way up forward for North Melbourne in 2012. His creative marking, and accurate kicking makes him an exciting player to watch. He was simply unstoppable in 2012, his outstanding season labelling him as one of the best forwards in the competition. The dominance led to opposition attempting to stop him in away way possible, which included double teaming, although he rarely went a game without having an influence. However 2013 has been a different story for the spearhead, his inconsistency resulting in a lesser impact on the scoreboard and the games. Yet when on song, he's still one of the best, and North's #1 go-to man.

Lachie Hansen.
The big man in previous years has been shifted from the back line to the forward line, coaches struggling to find him a position which worked. His solid marking a crucial element of his game. It seemed to have finally clicked for Lachie Hansen last season, his first game in round 13 against Adelaide, and the Roos were on the rise. His solid contribution up forward assisted leading man Drew Petrie, and his improvement was evident. However it seems the excitement was short lived, retreating back to his inconsistent ways in 2013, frustrating supporters. He was forced out of the side after round 4 due to injury, and his return date is unknown.

Robbie Tarrant.
Unfortunately for Robbie Tarrant, his chances were limited early in his career due to four shoulder reconstructions. But when the opportunities did arise, he made the most of them. He played rounds 1, 5 and 6 of 2012, before making his spot permanent following the bye in round 11. He kicked bags of 4 on three separate occasions, and added an exciting element to the forward line. His 2013 started well with 5 goals in the first three matches, however he was sidelined through injury prior to round four.

Majak Daw and Aaron Black.
The two young forwards were brought into the side, and were expected to rise to their duties within the 3-man stretch when needed. Majak Daw on debut kicked the opening goal, and has created a strong, versatile option up forward. He also has allowed for the element of a second ruckman, his athleticism and ruck ability, making him a perfect second-hand man to Todd Goldstein. Aaron Black has added excitement, and a new dimension up forward. With great work rate around the play, as well as in front of goals, proving him eager to contribute in as many ways he can. The form of both young forwards has been refreshing, and exciting to watch, their experience growing with each match they play.

Waiting in the wings too is Daniel Currie, who showed a lot of promise during the NAB Cup pre-season competition. The continuous debate on which players are right for the three-man spread is one which can be viewed from many angles. Providing the work rate is up, each player can contribute and unique aspect to the forward line, as well as damaging effect on the scoreboard.

Who do you think should be apart of North's 3-man spread up forward? Have your say now via Facebook or Twitter .
Until next time,
Go Roos!
 - Marnie x

All's well that ends Wells.

All Australian: completed

Brownlow: completed

Syd Barker: completed

so now we analyze.

All Australian.
Who made the squad (selection of 40) - Todd Goldstein, Andrew Swallow, Drew Petrie, Daniel Wells.
... And then the side (selection of 22) - Drew Petrie.

For the first time in a few years, the individual efforts of North players were noticed, with North Melbourne making up 1/10 of the AA squad. Geelong, Collingwood and WCE were the only sides to have more AA nominees than North, along with Hawthorn and Carlton having equal. These sides made up the top 5 at season's end.

Daniel Wells had the best season of his career, keeping (pretty much) injury free, with his real potential unleashed for the first time at the fullest. Receiving large amounts of criticism in the past, for his on field 'laziness', his 2011 form was extremely rewarding for North supporters and all involved with the club, and his transformation was rewarded with an AA nomination.

Andrew Swallow took a step up in 2011, becoming one of the most improved midfielders in the comp, and everyone noticed. 6th best in the league for clearances, Swallow became an extremely influential all around the ground, and rose to become an elite midfielder. A constantly talked-about North midfielder, Swallow's week-to-week efforts were a strong talking point of the AFL world, especially when the club was on top.

For the first time in his career, Todd Goldstein was to tackle the ruck on his own, and became one of the best big men in the comp. Filling in for the injured Hamish McIntosh, Todd's hitout efforts and incredible fitness made him a worry for opposition sides. His outstanding 741 hitouts in was the 2nd best in VFL/AFL history, and he managed to carry North's ruck load alone, and did an amazing job. For Goldstein, his 'breakout' season was one that captured the attention of praise from within and outside the club, and is set to improve once again in 2012.

Sidelined for almost the entire 2010 season due to injury, Drew Petrie returned to the side in 2011, and proved how important he is for North Melbourne. One of the best contested marks in the AFL, Drew monstered almost all of his opponents, and was one of the harder players to be matched up on. His marking capeablities were enormous, marking anything from overhead, side of his body, out in front, one handers, and his famous speckies. His goal kicking was remarkable, too, consistantly kicking big bags infront of goals. Drew's amazing comeback season was rewarded as he was selected on the bench of the All Australian side. His dominant return to the side in 2011 clearly displayed how much he was truely missed, and just how important he really is.

The Brownlow.
The NM votes went as follows:
16 Andrew Swallow
11 Drew Petrie
8 Brent Harvey
6 Todd Goldstein
6 Brady Rawlings
5 Daniel Wells
4 Jack Ziebell
4 Leigh Adams
2 Ryan Bastinac
1 Aaron Edwards
1 Levi Greenwood
1 Scott Thompson
1 Matt Campbell
TOTAL 66

3 Votes: Boomer (RND 6), Todd (RND 8), Swallow (RND 11), Wellsy (RND 12), Rawlings (RND 13), Drewy (RND 14), Jack (RND 17), Drewy (RND 18), Swallow (RND 22), Boomer (RND 24)

Andrew Swallow taking out 16 as the highest for North seemed about right, as he was clearly a standout player for North during 2011 in the midfield. At one stage during the night, Swallow was sitting in 4th place for the overall leader board. Drew Petrie following him with 11 votes, also seemed logical, as the week before he was selected in the All Australian side. Daniel Wells was a player highly rated going into the brownlow, considered an 'outsiders chance', and tracked by the Herald Sun (those expected to poll well, like Swan, Judd etc were 'tracked') , therefore only finishing with 5 votes for the evening was considered both a shock and dissapointment. Same situation for Todd Goldstein, whos breakout season was rated extremely highly. Most of the focus was on the North midfielders and #1 forward target, Drew Petrie. The big ruckman seemed to be forgotten about, and it was a little dissapointing that his efforts weren't taken more notice of.

With his 8 brownlow votes, captain Boomer Harvey moved into the top 20 for all time career brownlow votes. His achievements are ones to be admired and respected by all.

Syd Barker Medal.
Top 10
1st: Wells & Swallow - 46
3rd: Petrie - 36 (countback system)
4th: Harvey - 36
5th: Adams - 35
6th: Ziebell - 30
7th: Goldstein - 29
8th: Rawlings - 26 (countback system)
9th: Edwards - 26
10th: Thompson - 25

Both Wells and Swallow had outstanding seasons, so it was amazing to see them both rewarded in the joint Syd Barker. After round 23, Wells was sitting just 1 vote infront of Swallow, and having missed round 24, with more than the 1 vote in the final round, Swallow would have taken his 2nd Syd Barker in 3 years. Receving just 1 vote in round 24, Swallow finished level with Wells, leaving North supporters incredibly pleased with the result.

Both Drew and Boomer backed up their brownlow success, taking out 2nd and 3rd place respectively. Leigh Adams rounded out the top 5, after an impressive season, using his opportunities the very best he could. In his first full season of AFL, Jack Ziebell impressed (especially in the second half of the season) and was a great contributor in the midfield. Ruckman Todd Golstein was a suprise coming in 7th, with many rating him at a higher placed finished, while veteran Brady Rawlings finished just behind him. The re-invention of Aaron Edwards was just incredible to watch in 2011, and his hard work to regain form paid off slotting into 9th, and backman Scott Thompson rounded off the top 10, after a solid season in the backline.

Other awards included:
Andrew Swallow for Player of the Year. (had to be him, Drew or Todd.. surely)
Jack Ziebell for Northeners Award. (beyond proud... and yes, dad and I voted for him!)
Cam Pedersen for Best 1st year player (what an inspiring story and outstanding season)
Jamie MacMillan for Community Award (him and the homeless story - superb)
Drew Petrie for Most Couragous Player (he's taken that many hangers it's hard to go past him)
Brady Rawlings for Best Clubman (always been about the team, as shown when he retired this season. Incredible and selfless person, and a shame he won't be on the field next season)

Are you happy with how all the results ended up on the 3 big award nights? Have your say, now! Email into nmopinion@hotmail.com , CLICK HERE to 'like' us on facebook, or tweet your say to @NMOpinion

Three other quick stories for you all:
- For those who aren't aware, backman Daniel Pratt will no longer be playing for North Melbourne as of season 2012. The decision has been made to force him seek a new home elsewhere, otherwise he will be delisted from the club list. Pratt finishes up at North after 119 matches.
- Ex-Roo Leigh Brown has been recruited as the Melbourne FC's new forward coach. Newly appointed senior coach Mark Neeld has spent time with Browny at Collingwood, and must rate him highly.
-Other Ex-Roo Daniel Harris will be playing for Airport West, a local club in the EDFL (Essendon District Football League Club). Returning to Melbourne for good since 2010, Harro is set to dominate the B grade, after staring for the Suns VFL side in 2011.

Good luck to all 3 in the next stage of their football careers!
Marnie.